Why is morning sunlight important?

Morning sunlight is crucial for several reasons, as explained by Andrew Huberman on the Huberman Lab.

1. Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Morning sunlight helps set the circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock that dictates sleep-wake cycles. Exposure to morning sunlight triggers a cortisol pulse, which promotes wakefulness and a healthy immune response 1.

2. Enhanced Wakefulness and Sleep: Early-day exposure to sunlight is the most potent stimulus for wakefulness throughout the day and positively affects the ability to fall and stay asleep at night 2. This mechanism sets a timer for sleep around 16 hours later, aiding in a consistent sleep schedule 3.

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     Morning Light Benefits

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     Morning Light Benefits

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     Morning Sunlight Benefits

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     Sunlight and Nature

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3. Metabolism and Mood: Morning sunlight also has beneficial effects on metabolism and mood. This can be directly due to sunlight or indirectly through improved sleep patterns 4.

4. Neural Regulation and Health: Sunlight exposure is key for sending signals to the brain that reinforce it’s daytime, impacting every cell and organ in the body, including the liver, gut, heart, and brain 1.

5. Practical Tips: If you wake up before sunrise, it’s advisable to use bright artificial lights until you can get outside to view natural sunlight. The first exposure should ideally be direct sunlight, even if it is through cloud cover it is still beneficial, and should be for at least 10-30 minutes 2 1.

Implementing morning sunlight exposure is a free, effective strategy for enhancing physical and mental health.